Are you self conscious about the look of your smile? Do you have crooked, stained or uneven teeth? Your smile affects many parts of your daily life. At West Ashley Family Dentistry in Charleston, SC, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer expert care for your cosmetic dental needs.
Our office can give you a smile you’ll be proud to share every day. We take a complete approach to your cosmetic dental care and make sure to address any underlying problems, too.
Dr. Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn will create a treatment plan to meet your goals and improve your long-term dental health. Whether you want a small change to boost your confidence or a smile makeover, we provide the personalized care you need for a beautiful and lasting result. It begins with a consultation to check your oral health and discuss your needs.
Smile Makeover in Charleston, SC
We offer a full range of cosmetic dental treatments and procedures to meet your needs. During your consultation, we’ll identify any issues that could affect your results. Then, we’ll suggest the best treatment options for your smile.
The goal is to enhance your smile with natural-looking results that also support your overall oral health. We want you to enjoy the personal and professional benefits of having a healthy and beautiful smile. For some patients, this may mean a professional teeth whitening treatment to restore a more youthful-looking smile. For others, they may need custom dental veneers or other types of restorations to improve both health and aesthetics.
If you’re concerned about crooked teeth affecting how your bite works, we offer quick orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. These aligners are a popular choice because they’re nearly invisible and easy to use. Other cosmetic dental treatments at West Ashley Family Dentistry include:
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a simple way to brighten your smile. We remove stains and yellowing caused by food, drinks, or age with professional teeth whitening. You can achieve a whiter smile in just one visit to our office. To learn more, see Teeth whitening.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells placed over the front of your teeth. They can fix chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration, giving you a smooth, even smile. We create our veneers to match the shape and color of your teeth. To learn about the process, see Porcelain veneers.
- Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. Crowns protect the tooth and restore its shape, size, and strength. Our dentists use them after root canals or to fix broken teeth. To learn more, see Dental crowns.
- Invisalign: Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable, making it easier to eat and brush your teeth. Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into the right position in about 12 months for a straighter smile. To learn more, see Invisalign.
- Tooth Bonding: Our tooth bonding compounds repair minor flaws in your teeth. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the surface of your teeth to fix chips, cracks, or gaps. Bonding is a quick and painless way to fix your teeth. To learn more see Tooth bonding.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants replace missing teeth. We place a metal post in your jawbone, and attach a crown to it. Implants look and function like natural teeth, helping you chew and speak more comfortably. To learn more, see Dental implants.
Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will explain all the treatment choices to you and help create a plan that fits your needs and budget. They’ll go through each option so you can decide what’s best for you. We offer convenient payment and financing options as well.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many people think cosmetic dentistry is just about making your smile look better. But often, cosmetic problems come from deeper oral health issues. Fixing these problems not only gives you a smile you’re proud to show off but also helps improve your overall oral health. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to create a white, even smile that’s also healthy.
For instance, crooked teeth are a common issue. When teeth are crooked, they can overlap and cause crowding, which makes it hard to clean between them. You might not be able to reach certain spots when brushing and flossing.
This leads to a buildup of debris and bacteria, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening your teeth makes it easier to clean every part of your smile.
Crooked teeth and other cosmetic issues can also cause an uneven bite. When your bite isn’t aligned properly, some teeth have to handle more pressure than others. This can cause them to wear down faster and become more likely to break or chip.
An uneven bite can also lead to TMJ disorders, which cause problems with your jaw joint, pain, and other issues. Many of our cosmetic dentistry treatments can help with these concerns. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding can fix almost any cosmetic problem you have.
Porcelain veneers cover the front and sides of your teeth, hiding imperfections quickly. Veneers are a permanent solution, while bonding is a temporary and removable option. Our dentist can shape the bonding material to match your teeth perfectly.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Insurance providers often consider cosmetic dental treatments optional, but they bring many health benefits. These procedures can improve both your mouth’s health and how long it lasts. A healthy and attractive smile boosts your confidence in social and professional settings. It can also improve how others perceive you, which is crucial in your career.
As you grow older, maintaining a healthy smile affects many parts of your life, like enjoying a healthy and varied diet. Cosmetic treatments that improve your smile’s look may motivate you to maintain good oral hygiene daily, which is key for long-term dental health.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Want to know more about cosmetic dental services? Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn will answer all your questions about cosmetic dentistry and our services during your dental exam. In the meantime, read the following answers to commonly asked questions about these treatments.
How does dental bonding compare to porcelain veneers?
Although tooth bonding and veneers can treat the same dental problems, they differ in treatment time, planning, and longevity. Porcelain veneers offer a stain-free and longer-lasting treatment. However, dental bonding is a more economical and quicker treatment. Dental bonding is best for minor concerns, while veneers can cover a broader area of damage.
Will dental insurance cover cosmetic dental care?
Dental insurance does not normally cover cosmetic dental treatments. This is because insurance providers cover treatments they deem necessary for good oral health. However, we will work with you to fully use your insurance benefits.
How can I whiten my teeth if I have deep stains?
Patients with deep tooth stains resistant to teeth whitening treatment can receive dental bonding or porcelain veneers. These cosmetic treatments cover the tooth enamel with materials that the dentist color-matches to your real teeth. Using a biocompatible compound or porcelain ceramic, we can brighten a single stained tooth or your whole smile.
How long does cosmetic dental treatment take?
The time it takes for cosmetic dental treatment can vary based on what procedure you’re getting. For example, you can get teeth whitening treamtent in just one visit.
Getting veneers might take two visits. The first visit is for taking impressions and preparing your teeth, and the second visit is for placing the veneers. This process can take a few weeks. Invisalign treatment typically lasts about 12 to 18 months, depending on how much correction is needed.
What is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment?
The most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment is teeth whitening. Many people choose teeth whitening because it’s a quick and affordable way to brighten their smile. Professional whitening treatments offered by dentists can remove stains and discoloration caused by coffee, tea, smoking, or aging, leaving teeth several shades lighter in just one visit.
It offers a non-invasive procedure and can dramatically improve the appearance of a person’s smile. This makes it the top choice for those looking for a simple but effective cosmetic enhancement.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are not technically permanent, but they are a long-lasting solution for improving your smile. They are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth to fix problems like discoloration, chips, or gaps.
Before placing veneers, our dentist removes a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for them. This process is not reversible, which is why veneers are considered a permanent change to your teeth. With good care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer, but they may need to be replaced eventually.
Do I need veneers or crowns?
If your teeth look good overall but you want to change their color or shape, you might want veneers. Veneers are a great option for improving your smile without changing the entire tooth. You might need a crown if you have a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, or has had a root canal. Crowns provide more support and protection than veneers.
Does Invisalign have an age limit?
Invisalign does not have a strict age limit. People of many ages can use Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Invisalign can work well for teenagers whose teeth and jaws are still growing. Special aligners made just for teens include small blue dots to help track wear time.
Adults can also get Invisalign. The main factor is the condition of their teeth and gums. If the teeth are healthy, adults can use Invisalign to improve their smiles.
Transform Your Smile
The first step towards your best smile is to consult with one of our Charleston cosmetic dentists. Contact our office at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.